We all are completely aware of the current state of the internet. The judginess of cancel culture, the constant hate that litters comment sections, and then of course the drama between celebrities that no one really cares about- yet we all seem to keep up to date with anyway. Kanye (legally known as Ye) has been around since the 1990s. He has established a name for himself and is considered by many to be “one of the greats.” Recently, Kanye has been stirring up many controversies, if you can even call them that. The controversies can be better described as anti-Semitic, unapologetic, and insensitive.

First and foremost, probably one of the more mild things he’s done in the past, Kanye paid 1 million dollars to sleep inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 1 million dollars. Most people don’t see that much money in their lifetime, let alone be able to spend it on a small office in the basement of a stadium to live in for a mere 2 weeks. His reasoning behind this – he needed to write “Donda”. His supporters might say that this is part of his musical genius, that he is committed to his craft, but everyone else in the world would say he’s out of his mind. 

One of his most recent controversies is his repeated anti-Semitic attacks. For many who are not Jewish, antisemitism might seem hidden. However, Kanye reminds us all that it is alive and well. One of the more extreme quotes of his had been posted on Twitter, “I’m a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I’m going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE.” Wow. This tweet led him to be ultimately banned on Twitter, only to be unbanned at a later date. On a completely separate occasion in an interview with Alex Jones. Kanye said, “Every human being has value that they brought to the table, especially Hitler” Even insinuating that Hitler has any sort of positive impact, is delusional, insensitive, and ultimately ignorant. Almost immediately after the interview, Kanye posted another tweet after having his account unbanned that consisted of a graphic combining the Star of David and a swastika. I don’t think there’s a need for elaboration on that one.

Many people still defend him, saying that Kanye has been struggling with grief from the death of his mother, Donda. Although grief is life changing, it’s no excuse for the antiemetic rhetoric. Grief is enough to flip someone’s life upside down. Other fans blame his outbursts on his mental health. Kanye has been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. This definitely explains his reckless behavior and his inability to get albums out on time (EX: Donda “I forgor”). However, he chooses to be unmedicated. He knows the dangers of his mental illness and refuses to get the help and medication he needs. I understand not wanting to take anything in worry that he will lose his creativity, but regardless, society as a whole cannot excuse racially tone-deaf and insensitive remarks for the sake of someone who is famous. 

This is inexcusable. Kanye has repeatedly shown us that he does not have the right ideals or morals to have a significant platform. Continuing to make excuses for Kanye just because “he made ‘Graduation’”, is showing sympathy for anti-Semitic views. We cannot make excuses for celebrities. It has to be shown that exceptions will not be made for people with high social statuses. No one gets a “Get Out of Jail Free” card.